Saudi city bans mayonnaise at restaurants

Authorities in the Saudi Arabian city of Jubail have banned all restaurants and cafes from serving mayonnaise during the hot summer months, following reports of food poisoning.

Emirates 247 reported restaurants must stop using mayonnaise in meals and sandwiches, replacing it with Tahina instead. Warnings have also been issued regarding the storage of fresh produce,and the transportation of meat and frozen foods.

The ban was implemented following 12 cases of suspected food poisoning. The Saudi Gazette reported 12 people from three different families came down with symptoms suggesting food poisoning after eating a traditional meal at a restaurant in the Red Sea Port city of Jubail.

The sick were rushed to the General Hospital in Rijal Alma. Meanwhile the restaurant was closed down and food samples taken for laboratory testing.

Authorities said the decision to ban mayonnaise "is intended to prevent fresh cases of poisoning and the spread of diseases."